More than 150 reptiles found neglected at Lakewood store

LAKEWOOD – Police officers in Lakewood requested a search warrant Saturday after finding more than 150 reptiles neglected at the Colorado Reptile Company.

According to agent Rob Albrets with Lakewood Police, officers received several tips over the past few days that the store’s owner wasn’t taking care of the reptiles at the 7827 W. Jewell Ave. business.

When animal control went to check on things, they found a dead snake, and numerous reptiles without water.

“When animal control went out to do a welfare check on them, the door was open, but no one was inside,” Albrets told 9News.

The owner of the store showed up when police were on-scene Saturday afternoon. Police spoke to him and decided not to file charges at this time.

The incident remains under investigation.

*An earlier version of this story stated that 400 reptiles were inside the store. Lakewood Police later corrected that number to about 150 reptiles.